RICCO and Brown University Chorus Present Handel's Messiah

RICCO and Brown University Chorus Present Handel’s Messiah

by

The Rhode Island Civic Chorale and Orchestra (RICCO) will perform Handel’s complete Messiah this December in both Providence and Manville, Visit Rhode Island reported.

The two scheduled performances differ from standard holiday programming. Rather than focusing solely on the Hallelujah Chorus or popular Christmas selections, the ensemble intends to present the entire work in its full emotional scope. This approach seeks to offer a fresh interpretation of the masterpiece through specific attention to expressive phrasing and musical dynamics.

The production features a unique intergenerational collaboration, as RICCO will perform alongside the Brown University Chorus for the first time. This partnership bridges the gap between established performers and a new generation of musicians.

“Here we are bringing together people in our Chorale who’ve performed Messiah 30 times with a new generation of singers, many of whom will be experiencing the complete work for the first time,” said Joshua Rohde, RICCO Artistic Director.

A generational musical bridge

The collaboration with the Brown University Chorus serves as a central pillar of this year’s programming. By pairing veteran singers with university students, the organization aims to foster a connection between different eras of musical experience. This mentorship-style arrangement allows seasoned performers to share their technical expertise with singers who are still developing their craft.

Beyond the university collaboration, the concerts will highlight emerging talent from the RICCO Collegiate Vocal Competition. These winners, selected from vocalists across New England, represent the next wave of professional talent. Many previous participants in this competition have successfully transitioned into professional roles within international opera houses and concert halls.

RICCO and Brown University Chorus Present Handel's Messiah

“It’s amazing and wonderful to know that we got to see them as they were just hitting their stride,” Rohde said.

The performances are supported by an orchestra of professional musicians, providing a high-level technical foundation for the choral elements. This scale of production moves the event beyond a simple seasonal tradition, positioning it as a comprehensive musical study of Handel’s score.

Attend performances in Providence and Manville

Audiences can attend the full-length production at two different venues in Rhode Island. Each performance offers a distinct setting for the work, ranging from the urban center of Providence to the community atmosphere of Manville.

  • Saturday, December 5 at 7:00 PM: All Saints Memorial Church, Providence, RI, featuring the Brown University Chorus.
  • Sunday, December 6 at 3:00 PM: St. James Church, Manville, RI.

The decision to perform the entire work requires a high level of stamina and interpretive nuance from both the orchestra and the combined choirs. Artistic Director Joshua Rohde said that the ensemble’s goal is to live within the music rather than simply reciting the notes.

RICCO and Brown University Chorus Present Handel's Messiah

“Every line, every phrase has nuance and life,” Rohde said. “We are committed to doing a curated performance of the entire work, where we’re living in the music, living the notes, understanding them in a fresh light today.”

The production has historically drawn listeners who seek a more rigorous experience than typical holiday concerts. Rohde said that audiences frequently remark on hearing familiar movements performed with new perspectives.

“The comment I get more often than not is, ‘Oh yes, I know this movement, but I’ve never heard it done this way,’” Rohde said.

Tickets and additional details regarding the December performances are available through the RICCO website.

Worth a look

Read next